Senators prediction panel: Game 80

The Ottawa Senators return home to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Which team will come out on top? Our prediction panel weighs in.

Carolina Hurricanes (31-32-16) at Ottawa Senators (41-28-10)

James Gordon, Citizen Sports Editor

Senators 3, Hurricanes 4
With the Senators all but guaranteed to face the Bruins, they have nothing to play for (other than health). The Carolina Hurricanes are still trying to secure jobs next season. I like their chances here.
Record: 39-40
Exact scored predicted: 1

Wayne Scanlan, Citizen Hockey Columnist

Senators 4, Hurricanes 2Ideally, the Senators sober up from their playoff-clinch celebration to keep the Hurricanes in their (12th) place.
Record: 41-38
Exact scores predicted: 3

Senators 3, Hurricanes 2
Let’s be honest, the only thing compelling about this game is whether or not I finally break down and beat Jason York with my microphone in the second intermission.
Record: 46-32
Exact scores predicted: 2

Senators 4, Hurricanes 2Having missed out on Ottawa’s playoff clinching victory on Sunday and with sixth place in the Eastern Conference still within grasp, I’ll be hoping that Jason Spezsa and Daniel Alfredsson get in on the act tonight.
Record: 45-33
Exact scores predicted: 2

Senators 2, Hurricanes 4
Don’t let the Canes’ overall record fool you, since 2011, Carolina has one of the best records in the East. They’d be running away with the Southeast if not for a horrendous start. Couple this with the Sens likelihood to rest a player or two and probably take their foot of the gas a little, I’m taking the Canes.
Record: 44-34
Exact scores predicted: 1

Senators 5, Hurricanes 2
Few would blame the Sens for resting on their laurels after clinching last game, but I don’t think Paul MacLean would stand for that sort of thing. The return of Alfredsson and Spezza won’t be a bad thing, either, and the Sens should lock down their hold on seventh in the East tonight.
Record: 44-34
Exact scores predicted: 3

Senators 2, Hurricanes 4 With nothing major at stake, the Sens might come out a little flat and get surprised by Kirk Muller’s never-say-die gang. Nobody can help but look ahead to the Bruins on Thursday.
Record: 42-35

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